Entertainment

NewRep Pushing Back Performances, Coming Up With COVID-19 Friendly Productions

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Watertown-based New Repertory Theatre announced this week that it will have to push back the performances of two plays, due to the COVID-19 restrictions. However, Artistic Director Michael Bobbitt and his staff are busy coming up with new options for fans of live theater and performances during the pandemic. NewRep tried rescheduling two plays from the spring to the fall, but looking at the COVID-19 restrictions the decision was made to postpone them once again. The company also announced the cancellation of its annual gala, which they had hoped to move from April to October. “It’s the nature of the beast at the moment.

Hosmer School

Groundbreaking Ceremony Planned to Kick Off Cunniff School Project

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The latest rendering of the new Cunniff Elementary School, with the solar array in the parking lot. The first of Watertown’s new school projects will kick off Wednesday, June 24 with a groundbreaking ceremony at Cunniff Elementary School. The School Building Committee invites public is invited to the event, which begins at 4:30 p.m. at the school, located at 246 Warren St. in Watertown. Those who attend must wear a mask of face covering due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Business

See the Watertown Restaurants Approved for Outdoor Seating

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Deluxe Town Diner was one of several Watertown restaurants recently approved to have outdoor seating. Ten Watertown restaurants have been approved to have outdoor by the Town as part of a the COVID-19 reopening. Last week, the Licensing Board approved a temporary measure to allow Town Manager Michael Driscoll to approve temporary outdoor seating at restaurants in town. The following restaurants have been approved to have outdoor seating:

Gerry’s Italian Kitchen1072 Belmont Street

La Bodega21 Nichols Avenue

Conley’s Pub & Grille164 Belmont Street

Deluxe Town Diner627 Mount Auburn Street

Greg’s Restaurant821 Mount Auburn Street

Ixtapa Mexican Grill18 Mount Auburn Street

Ritcey East208 Waverley Avenue

Shiraz Cuisine72 Bigelow Avenue

Stellina47 Main Street

Tresca’s Eating Place25 Church Street

Before the local measure was passed, restaurants already approved to have outdoor seating could open on June 8, when Phase 2 of Gov. Baker’s reopening plan began. On June 22, restaurants can also start serving food indoors, with tables spaced at least 6 feet apart and parties no larger than six people.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Bikes Stolen from Storage Area, Attempted Scam Involving Dog for Sale

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department:

Arrests

None

Incidents

For the second week in a row, the Watertown Police Department received 17 reports of attempted unemployment scams. The residents said they had not applied for unemployment benefits but received a letter about getting benefits. 

June 8, 10:02 a.m.: Two bicycles were reported stolen from Tufts Health Plan. Security looked at security footage which showed two people go into the Tufts parking garage on Grove Street, went to the locked bicycle storage area and one of the people climbed over the fence around the bike storage. The person pressed a self-release button and left with two bikes. The two were seen bicycling on Mt. Auburn Street three minutes later.

Government

Congresswoman Clark Encourages Residents to Fill Out 2020 Census

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The following information was provided by Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s office. Her district includes Watertown:

68% of households in our district have already completed their U.S. Census 2020 form. That’s fantastic progress, but we need everyone to be counted to ensure that our community gets its fair share of federal resources for schools, transportation systems, family nutrition programs, and so many other vital services. Fill out the Census here! The 2020 Census determines how federal funding and resources will be distributed across our communities, and your participation can make a real difference to your family, loved ones and neighbors. If you haven’t completed your census form, please visit 2020Census.gov now—then pass this message along to family and friends! 

I hope you will make your voice heard by participating in the 2020 Census and do your part to ensure that everyone in our community is fairly and accurately counted.Sincerely,Katherine ClarkMember of Congress (MA-05)

Government

Playgrounds, Courts & Town Hall Reopening; Town Budget, Hosmer Traffic to be Discussed

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Tot lots and playgrounds will reopen this week, along with basketball courts and picnic and grilling areas in Watertown’s parks. Playgrounds and tot-lots will reopen this week, along with basketball courts and other Recreation facilities. Also this week, the Town Council will hold budget hearings, and traffic around Hosmer School during construction is on the Traffic Commission’s agenda. Town Manager Michael Driscoll announced that more Recreational facilities will reopen after being closed to the public during the COVID-19 shutdown. On Wednesday, June 24th, playgrounds and tot lots, basketball courts, and picnic tables and grills (by permit only) will reopen.

Real Estate

Watertown had Three Home Sell This Week

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Two condos and a three-family home sold in Watertown this week. $512,000 – 290 Pleasant St. Unit 117, Condo – Mid-Rise, 855 Living Area Sq. Ft., 2 Room, 1 Bedroom, 1 Full Bathroom

$1,120,000 – 30-32 Clyde Road, Multi-family Home – 3 Family, 3,585 Living Area Sq. Ft.

Schools

Members of Class of 2020 Receive Their Diplomas — Social Distancing Style

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A Watertown high School senior smiles for photos after getting his diploma during a unique graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020, standing next to WHS Principal Shirley Lundberg. Watertown High School’s seniors claimed their diplomas in person at Victory Field on Saturday, but that was about all that was normal about graduation day for the Class of 2020. The atmosphere around Victory Field because the frenzy of activity was just spread out throughout the day as Watertown Public School officials put on a socially distanced ceremony to comply with the state’s COVID-19 guidelines. Each half hour a set of cars pulled up, the graduate stepped out and walked up to a small stage where Principal Shirley Lundberg waited with a diploma. Meanwhile, the family could stand along the small fence along the baseball field to cheer and take photos.